My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

Greg Jenner is a historian, author, and broadcaster who has made the past delightfully accessible to millions. Born in Kent, he studied Archaeology & History at the University of York, then mediaeval studies, before serving as historical advisor to the BBC’s hit children’s series Horrible Histories. He has since authored several acclaimed books that combine rigorous research with witty storytelling, including Dead Famous, Ask A Historian, and You Are History.Since 2019 he has been the host of the award-winning podcast You’re Dead To Me, bringing together comedians and academics to explore everything from ancient Rome to Victorian medicine with clarity, humour, and heart. His latest book, out now, is Totally Chaotic History: The Stone Age Runs Wild. With a rare gift for making history feel alive, urgent, and wildly entertaining, he’s helped redefine how we learn about the past.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nathan Brown, a seasoned writer and former editor at Edge magazine, dives into the world of gaming with sharp insights. He discusses the critical role of game consultants in shaping titles from inception to launch. Nostalgia takes center stage as he reminisces about favorite games from 2004, particularly 'Lumines' and 'OutRun 2006.' Brown shares his journey from aspiring footballer to game journalist, reflecting on the industry's evolution. The conversation also highlights the importance of creativity in game development and the significance of player engagement over mere sales.

Kat Abughazaleh, a journalist, influencer, and aspiring Congress member from Illinois, dives into the challenges of merging social media savvy with political ambition. She discusses her journey from viral videos to campaigning at age 26, advocating for grassroots funding and fighting misinformation. Kat shares her nostalgic gaming experiences, highlighting how video games shaped her identity and political views. She also critiques far-right ideologies in online spaces and emphasizes the role of authenticity in modern politics. Expect humor and sharp insights throughout!

Jimmy Famuerwa, a British-Nigerian author and esteemed food critic, dives into the flavorful world of cuisine and its cultural connections. He shares his journey from childhood picky eater to celebrated critic, emphasizing how food intertwines with identity and nostalgia. Famuerwa reflects on the parallels between culinary experiences and gaming memories, including his love for arcade classics and 'Metal Gear Solid.' He also discusses the evolution of food writing and the challenge of balancing personal narratives with cultural expectations—all with his characteristic wit and insight.

Ed Night, a British stand-up comedian acclaimed for his dark humor and political satire, shares his comedic journey from acting to stand-up. He reflects on the challenges of live performance and how social media shapes comedians' images. The conversation shifts to nostalgic gaming experiences with classics like 'The Legend of Zelda' and 'Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3,' intertwining gaming with his comedy roots. Night also discusses the evolving landscape of comedy, the rise of DIY projects, and memorable performances at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Cabel Sasser, co-founder of the indie studio Panic, shares insights from his journey in the tech world, including his role in developing the innovative Playdate console. He reminisces about the emotional challenges and collaborative spirit behind its creation. Cabel also dives into his childhood nostalgia for the Atari 2600 and the enchantment of classic games like 'Conker's Bad Fur Day.' The discussion touches on the evolution of gaming culture and the unique features that set Playdate apart, blending creative passion with a love for gaming.

Peter Whalen is a game designer and creative lead known for his work at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and competitive play. After graduating from Princeton with a degree in Mathematics, he earned his doctorate in algorithms at Georgia Tech. He then began his career in video games, first at Blizzard, where he was a senior designer on Hearthstone. He then moved to Riot Games, where he now serves as the Game Director for Teamfight Tactics, Riot’s ambitious chess-like game set in the world of League of Legends. With a deep background in systems design and a love for games that reward smart, skilful play, he’s helped shape some of the most beloved and finely tuned experiences in digital card gaming and beyond.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray Chase is an American voice actor whose range and versatility have made him one of the most recognisable voices across anime, video games, and audiobooks. Known for bringing to life characters such as Noctis in Final Fantasy XV, Bruno Bucciarati in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Cyclops in Xmen ’97, and Zukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen, he has also voiced major titles like Genshin Impact, Persona 5, and Demon Slayer. After a career spanning everything from gritty protagonists to eccentric sidekicks, he’s now entered the director’s chair for a video game of his own. Date Everything is a romance game in which you can date 100 objects from your house, including your shower, the couch, a grand piano, even a videogame console. And each item, of course, is voiced by a beloved actor.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robbie is a studio head with one of the most unusual origin stories in the games industry. A former content creator and streamer, he fell in love with Paragon, the ambitious MOBA from Epic Games—so much so that when Epic closed the game in 2018, he refused to let it die. With no prior game development experience and no plans to enter the industry, he founded Omeda Studios and set out to rebuild and evolve the game alongside its passionate community. The result was Predecessor, a fresh take on the MOBA genre. In just a few years, the game has developed a vibrant fanbase, while the studio has transformed from a grassroots effort into a serious player in the industry, proving that a community-driven approach can take on even the giants.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, five My Perfect Console supporters share the games they would like to put on their ideal, fictional games machine, and the reasons behind their choices.If you would like to share your console with the My Perfect Console audience, head to this post for more details.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.